CHR probes alleged abduction of 2 Cebu development workers

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said it started its own investigation on the alleged abduction of two development workers in Cebu.

In a statement, the CHR said through its regional office in Central Visayas, it has launched its independent motu proprio investigation on the incident that was caught on video.

In the video that has since gone viral, Armand Dayoha and Dyan Gumanao, both labor rights advocates, were seen being forced to get inside a vehicle near Pier 6 in Cebu City last January 10 at around 9 a.m.

The CHR said this incident comes after an alleged series of harassment and tailing from state agents since 2020 when the two were arrested during a protest against the anti-terrorism law.

“Any form of arbitrary, unlawful deprivation of liberty, such as illegal arrest, detention, or abduction, is also punishable by law under Republic Act (RA) No. 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012,” the CHR said.

“We reiterate that the state must adhere to the principles and standards on the absolute condemnation of human rights violations set by various international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, both of which the Philippines is a State party,” it added.

The commission said it also welcomed the investigation ordered by the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas.

“As we conduct our own independent investigation, CHR strongly urges law enforcement agencies to treat this case with urgency. For justice's sake, this case must be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. Enforced disappearance is a serious human rights violation,” the CHR said.

It also called concerned authorities to cooperate and maintain transparency on the incident.

“Perpetrators must be held accountable in the name of serving justice to all, regardless of socio-political affiliations and ideological beliefs,” it added.

Meanwhile, Danilo Gumanao, father of Dyan, said her daughter told him that those who abducted them presented themselves as police.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said allegation that policemen were involved would be looked into in the investigation.

The victims are currently undergoing medical intervention after the incident.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would also look into the reported abduction of two activists. —Richa Noriega/KBK, GMA Integrated News